Philippine History in World War 2 at Mount Samat, Bataan
The famous Memorial Cross in Mt. Samat Shrine in Bataan is built in honor of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought and died during the World War II. The Shrine was conceived by President Ferdinand Marcos and was inaugurated in 1970, in time for the 25th anniversary of the end of the World War II.
The Cross is 92-meter high from the base with the arm 30-meter long on both sides.
At the base of the Cross is the “Nagbiag na Bato” - sculptures depicting historical events made by National Artist Napoleon Abueva.
Visible from the top of Mt. Samat are nearby towns and mountains that used to be battlegrounds and hideouts of the soldiers.
Bataan was the battleground of the Filipino and American soldiers against the Japanese Imperial Army during the World War II. On these lands and mountains, Filipinos and American soldiers suffered hunger, thirst, malnutrition, and loss against the Japanese soldiers.
History buffs and locals share different versions how the Filipino and American soldiers suffered against the Japanese. Our historian/guide shared a story about how the Filipinos were able to fight amidst extreme hunger and thirst. They were infuriated about the news that the Japanese soldiers killed one woman visitor from Manila.
Philippine History in World War 2 at Capas National Shrine
The Capas National Shrine was established during the Presidency of Fidel V. Ramos to commemorate the valiance of the WWII soldiers who were part of the Death March. It was initially the Camp O’Donnel in 1940 where the Filipino youth were trained for the military. After the “Fall of Bataan”, it was transformed by the Japanese soldiers into a concentration camp for Filipino and American soldiers who surrendered.
This is the original boxed car used to transport Filipino and American prisoners of war from San Fernando, Pampanga to the prison camps in Capas, Tarlac. They survived the Death March and they were forced to walk from Mariveles and Bagac, Bataan, then they were loaded into the boxed cars.
I have this special thing about wooden doors. For me, wooden doors symbolize old memories, history, and strength. This door at one side of the base of the Cross leads to the elevator going to the viewing gallery at the arms of the cross. From the 30-meter long gallery is the stunning view of the Bataan Peninsula, Manila Bay, and Corregidor Island.
At the Shrine Complex is a footpath of bloodstones from the Corregidor Island. These stones were stained with the soldiers’ blood during the fight.
The esplanade made with tiles forming letter “M” which means “Marcos” who initiated the construction of Mount Samat National Shrine. Aside from esplanade, this Colonnade has an altar, 2 bronze urns, 18 flag poles, and an underground museum.
The Altar. Since Mt. Samat is a Shrine, visitors must observe proper decorum while in the place. No ridiculous selfies and observe silence please.
The wall telling the story of the Battle of Bataan
At the base of the Colonnade is a museum of the World War II in the Philippines and the Battle of Bataan.
When the Japanese won against the Filipinos and American soldiers, they imposed rules to be followed by the Filipinos. Examples of the rules are: giving salute to the Japanese soldiers, wearing sun-rise arm band on the left arm, and having certificate of residence.
How women suffered under the Japanese rule.
Philippine History in World War 2 at Capas National Shrine
The Capas National Shrine was established during the Presidency of Fidel V. Ramos to commemorate the valiance of the WWII soldiers who were part of the Death March. It was initially the Camp O’Donnel in 1940 where the Filipino youth were trained for the military. After the “Fall of Bataan”, it was transformed by the Japanese soldiers into a concentration camp for Filipino and American soldiers who surrendered.
Wall of Heroes. The names of some of the 30,000 Filipino soldiers were carved in this black granite wall.
The Japanese soldiers allowed the civilians in Tarlac and Pampanga to throw food to the POW trains.
Memorial crosses to commemorate American soldiers who died away from home and Filipino civilians for their acts of courage and compassion towards the Filipino-American prisoners of war.
Words are not enough to describe the suffering and bravery of Filipinos during the 2nd World War. The Mount Samat Shrine and Capas National Shrine were established to revisit the fall of the Filipinos when they lost against the Japanese soldiers. The Fall of Bataan, however, does not depict shame of lost but a battle full of gallantry and heroism. It is one of the many battles that prove the bravery and patriotism of the Filipinos. It is one of the times when Filipinos unite to fight for freedom.
More facts on the history of the Philippines during the World War II at the Philippine Archives Collection of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO). Special thanks to PVAO for this meaningful time-travel.
